Vol. 471 No. 1
143 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the plans, if any, he has in relation to Drumsna Dún in view of the fact that it is one of the most important archaeological features in the country. [20401/96]
The Dún of Drumsna, which has been termed the "Gateway to Connacht", is a linear earthwork some 1.75km long cutting off a promontory formed by a loop in the River Shannon just south of Drumsna and Jamestown. The site has been dated to the 2nd century BC and represents one of the most sizeable manifestations of manpower use from the Celtic period. The Dún of Drumsna is indeed a very important archaeological feature meriting preservation and protection. While the site is not in State care, I am satisfied that there are adequate provisions under the National Monuments Acts, 1930 to 1994, to fully protect this important archaeological site.
The Dún of Drumsna will be included in the forthcoming Record of Monuments for County Roscommon, pursuant to section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994, requiring any person proposing to carry out any works at or in relation to the site to give two months notice in writing to me as Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht.
